Unhealthy mindsets to ditch

posted Dec 20, 2016, 8:13 AM by Ann Lee

We owe it to ourselves to give our mind and body the attention it deserves, even if it requires a little extra work.

With so many other issues to worry about in life, it can be easy to forget about ourselves, but it's time to make our health a priority. If you're worried your attitude about your life, your medical care, or even your own body could be causing you harm, you might want to consider these unhealthy mindsets to ditch when it comes to your health — it might do you some good!

"I'm Too Young To Get Sick"

Just because you don't feel the consequences now don't mean they won't affect you later. "Life can feel like one big party when you’re young," says health coach Jill Ginsberg. "Have fun. But don’t use it as an excuse to treat your body like total crap. Focus on healthy foods, exercise your body, manage your stress and get a tune-up every now and then."

"I'm Too Far Gone, Why Bother?"

"It can definitely seem overwhelming trying to right the ship when you’ve already steered yourself so far off course," says Ginsberg. But getting healthy is all about taking small steps forward, and many health issues can be reversed with some lifestyle modifications. "Start making one small positive change today and make it a habit," says Ginsberg. "Then layer additional small behaviors changes on top."

"I Don't Have Time"

We all have the same number of hours in a day, and although life can get crazy, it's important to prioritize your health – so you'll have ample time in the future too. "There are lots of ways to reclaim some space in your day to make room for wellness," says Ginsberg. "Plan ahead so you can manage your schedule more effectively and set aside chunks of time for taking care of yourself."

"My Attitude Doesn't Matter"

Most people tend to accept the way their mind works as set in stone, but we can work to change our attitude, and this can have a positive affect on both our physical and mental health. "Negative thoughts may negatively impact your overall health," says Okeke-Igbokwe. Not only can a bad attitude lead to more stress and anxiety, but it can also increase your risk of other health issues such as dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and more, according to multiple studies.

"I'll Start Monday"

Instead of putting things off and picking a future date to make any necessary changes, just start today. "What miraculous thing is going to happen Monday that couldn't happen today or tomorrow?" says Celia Trotta, M.D., M.B.A. "Also, if you make an error on Monday or soon after, you might try to wait until the following Monday to start again. I think its good to plan ahead, but don't use a date as an excuse to procrastinate."

"There's Nothing I Can Do About My Depression/Anxiety"

No one deserves to suffer, and just because you have depression and anxiety doesn't mean you should feel stuck with these feelings for the rest of your life. "Don't neglect your emotional state, and seek treatment if you are suffering from mental health issues," says Trotta. "Mental health is as important as physical health."

"Eating Healthy Is Too Expensive"

Healthy eating doesn't have to be pricey, especially if you avoid trendy foods and stick to the right stuff. "Fruits and veggies can be more expensive than processed food, but the good stuff comes packed with valuable vitamins and minerals, while anything processed has little to no nutritional value whatsoever," says health coach Robyn Lanci. This can also help you save money on healthcare costs in the longterm. "To keep costs down, choose produce that's on sale, and skip the convenience cut options," she says.

"It's Probably Nothing"

Sometimes, a weird symptom really is nothing, but in the off-chance that it is, it's important you don't ignore the signs. "If you notice a change in your health and begin to exhibit new symptoms you have never experienced before, do not wait things out," says Okeke-Igbokwe. "Schedule an appointment to get an assessment."

"I Need To Keep Going"

Many of us constantly have something on our plate, and we push through our insanely busy days even when we don't feel well. However, this can have a detrimental effect on your health. "When you are grinding it out all the time, you are putting your body is a constant state of stress, and therefore, you don't allow your body to slow down and heal itself and repair itself during the stages of rest," says Dr. Katie Henry PT, DPT, HHC. Take time for yourself, and remember, you don't have to do it all.

It takes time to shift your mindset, but once you do, taking care of your health becomes much easier.